Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 100

Thread: Detroit Diesel

Hybrid View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    311

    Default Detroit Diesel

    ok, so i think i'm a little obsessed with the old Detroits, but i just love the sound they make. Now i've been thinking for a while that i would like to have an old 2-stroke in a pickup truck but i'm not really sure which to use and even if i decide i will need some help on picking a transmission and transfer case combo.

    so the contenders as of now are a 3-53, 4-53, 6v-53, or a 4-71

    3-53 seems a little underpowered for my likings, but very economical and still has the great sound.
    4-53 seems little better but i just have to watch the weight of the whole thing. these aren't exactly meant for pickup trucks.
    6v-53 is supposed to have a fair amount of power and a bit higher reving
    4-71.......well i was told the 71 series was the best engines detroit ever made

    right now i'm leaning towards the 4-71 because i have found an aluminum bare block (no crank or head or any other parts) which works quite well since i would have rebuilt the whole thing anyways. The aluminum block will save me lots of weight, as its apparently only about 175 lbs according to the seller.

    now i'm just wondering if anyone else has any input here, or if i should ditch the aluminum block for some cast iron, or else a different series engine altogether. don't even mention cummins because they could never make me as happy as an old detroit could.

    if your curious about what i'm putting it in, i'm thinking about a 1969-1972 body style, 3/4 ton 4x4 gmc. of course i would start with this engine and build the truck from the groung up i think. if i'm going to do it i might as well do it right.
    2011 VW Jetta TDI, pretty well loaded without leather.
    2006 GMC Sierra D-max, 4x4, 4 door, bumper, winch, Espar heater, and the HID lights are a nice touch too.....
    1986 GMC 3500, 454 on propane, 4 speed, 4x4, crew cab dually......the welding truck
    1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 4.3 V6, 700R4, Toyota t-case.......transforming into 4x4 cage buggy

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    Riverside, CA USA
    Posts
    686

    Default

    Quite a few have done the 453/453T in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks. Most have been very happy. The 6V53/6V53T will give you the maxim power, but like you said, a bit heavy. Have not seen a 471/471T in a pickup. Others have stated the additional height will make the install a bit tougher than the 453T. An aluminum 471T should give you good power and a reasonable weight engine. Tie rod, oil pan, steering, transmission hump, engine mounts are all issue that may have to be dealt with during the install. Saw a 671 in a 3/4 ton Ford, so if that can be done all else is gravy.
    83 C10 Suburban, Silverado, 6.2, 700R4, 3.73, 31-10.50R15
    82 C30 Crew Cab dually, 6.2, Banks, Th400, 4.10, Gear Vendors, 235-85R16
    83 C20 Suburban, Sierra Classic, 6.2, 700R4, 4.10, custom paint, 285-50R20
    95 Yukon, 6.5, 4L80E, 3.42, 265-50R20
    73 GMC Astro 95, 8V71, 10 speed Roadranger, 110" WB, 6 each 11R24.5

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    311

    Default

    from the info i found online the 471 is only a few inches difference in height compared to the 453.

    i just have a good lead on that aluminum block and i hate to pass it up if its a good and very possible conversion, but i also hate to waste my time if there is a better detroit option for a pickup.............but if a 671 can fit in a 3/4 ton i shouldn't have any trouble.
    2011 VW Jetta TDI, pretty well loaded without leather.
    2006 GMC Sierra D-max, 4x4, 4 door, bumper, winch, Espar heater, and the HID lights are a nice touch too.....
    1986 GMC 3500, 454 on propane, 4 speed, 4x4, crew cab dually......the welding truck
    1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 4.3 V6, 700R4, Toyota t-case.......transforming into 4x4 cage buggy

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    Riverside, CA USA
    Posts
    686

    Default

    The 671 fit, but not without problems. No engine fan, used electric pusher fan on the bumper side of the radiator. Firewall was "extended" into the cab area to get the long 6 cylinder in. The guy got the 671 cheap, so did not mind the extra work to install it. A 471 should not have the fan/firewall issues. 2 inches is not much, but the clearance from steering/suspension to the hood are tight. A louvered hood could solve the issue.
    83 C10 Suburban, Silverado, 6.2, 700R4, 3.73, 31-10.50R15
    82 C30 Crew Cab dually, 6.2, Banks, Th400, 4.10, Gear Vendors, 235-85R16
    83 C20 Suburban, Sierra Classic, 6.2, 700R4, 4.10, custom paint, 285-50R20
    95 Yukon, 6.5, 4L80E, 3.42, 265-50R20
    73 GMC Astro 95, 8V71, 10 speed Roadranger, 110" WB, 6 each 11R24.5

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    311

    Default

    well i'm going to try to get this 471 and rebuild it.....might take some time tracking down parts and that because its just a bare block. but i think a body lift might help solve any height clearance issues.

    another problematic area will be clutch, transmission, and transfer case......don't even know where to start that would fit any of these detroit engines and would also work well for a pickup application
    2011 VW Jetta TDI, pretty well loaded without leather.
    2006 GMC Sierra D-max, 4x4, 4 door, bumper, winch, Espar heater, and the HID lights are a nice touch too.....
    1986 GMC 3500, 454 on propane, 4 speed, 4x4, crew cab dually......the welding truck
    1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 4.3 V6, 700R4, Toyota t-case.......transforming into 4x4 cage buggy

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    Riverside, CA USA
    Posts
    686

    Default

    Transmission should not be a problem. Allisons auto's (old style AT545 or similar) or various manuals will bolt right up. Lots of old manual transmissions at local wrecking yards. I saw that aluminum block on ebay also. You might want to buy a "parts" 471 to get all the components you will need at a reasonable cost. Rebuild kits will have liners, pistons and that, but lots of small parts will be required, and buying them from a parts store could get expensive.
    83 C10 Suburban, Silverado, 6.2, 700R4, 3.73, 31-10.50R15
    82 C30 Crew Cab dually, 6.2, Banks, Th400, 4.10, Gear Vendors, 235-85R16
    83 C20 Suburban, Sierra Classic, 6.2, 700R4, 4.10, custom paint, 285-50R20
    95 Yukon, 6.5, 4L80E, 3.42, 265-50R20
    73 GMC Astro 95, 8V71, 10 speed Roadranger, 110" WB, 6 each 11R24.5

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Granby, Missouri, USA
    Posts
    3,081

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Craig M
    Saw a 671 in a 3/4 ton Ford, so if that can be done all else is gravy.
    I, too, once saw a 6-71 in a 3/4 ton Ford once. Seems like it was an early 70's or late 60's model Ford. I saw it at a truck and tractor show in Republic, Missouri.

    I've seen a couple of other pickup trucks with 6-71's shoe-horned into them, but it is a tight fit and a lot of fabrication is necessary.

    My dad has a 6-71 mounted in a custom truck he's building, but he now wants to find a 8.3L Cummins to replace it. He's decided the Detroit would be a bit loud for highway use.

    Casey
    1995 K1500 Tahoe 2 door, 6.5LTD, 4L80E, NP241, 3.42's, 285/75R16 BFG K02's; 1997 506 block; Kennedy OPS harness, gauges, Quick Heat plugs, and TD-Max chip; Dtech FSD on FSD Cooler; vacuum pump deleted, HX35 turbo, Turbo Master, 3.5" Kennedy exhaust, F code intake; dual t/stats, HO water pump, Champion radiator; Racor fuel filter

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    311

    Default

    i called up a local fellow who deals with old detroits and rebuilding and what not. i tell him what i want to do and the first thing he says is cummins 5.9 litre.........he's not discouraging me yet but the aluminum block on ebay is about to end, sorry if anyone else is planning on bidding on it, but i think i might as well take a chance on it because the aluminum ones don't come up too often.

    just hoping for that last little bit of input someone might have about a 4-71 being a bad choice.........anything at all??
    2011 VW Jetta TDI, pretty well loaded without leather.
    2006 GMC Sierra D-max, 4x4, 4 door, bumper, winch, Espar heater, and the HID lights are a nice touch too.....
    1986 GMC 3500, 454 on propane, 4 speed, 4x4, crew cab dually......the welding truck
    1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 4.3 V6, 700R4, Toyota t-case.......transforming into 4x4 cage buggy

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2000
    Location
    Riverside, CA USA
    Posts
    686

    Default

    The Cummins is a good engine, but does not have the sound of a Detroit 2 stroke. An aluminum 471T will be a relatively light good torque diesel engine. If shipping was not $203 I might consider that aluminum 471 block.
    83 C10 Suburban, Silverado, 6.2, 700R4, 3.73, 31-10.50R15
    82 C30 Crew Cab dually, 6.2, Banks, Th400, 4.10, Gear Vendors, 235-85R16
    83 C20 Suburban, Sierra Classic, 6.2, 700R4, 4.10, custom paint, 285-50R20
    95 Yukon, 6.5, 4L80E, 3.42, 265-50R20
    73 GMC Astro 95, 8V71, 10 speed Roadranger, 110" WB, 6 each 11R24.5

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    311

    Default

    $203 seems kinda cheap for shipping that thing..........

    gotta spend my money on something, might as well be something unique that i enjoy

    i heard a rumour that detroits are very expensive to rebuild though......i don't believe it yet because i was also told by someone else that there are so many parts available for them. anybody know from experience on this?
    2011 VW Jetta TDI, pretty well loaded without leather.
    2006 GMC Sierra D-max, 4x4, 4 door, bumper, winch, Espar heater, and the HID lights are a nice touch too.....
    1986 GMC 3500, 454 on propane, 4 speed, 4x4, crew cab dually......the welding truck
    1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 4.3 V6, 700R4, Toyota t-case.......transforming into 4x4 cage buggy

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Mar 2000
    Location
    Sandy,Or,US
    Posts
    164

    Default

    I am also a huge Detroit fan, thetechnology used to invent them in the late 40's is 100% amazing, quick reving engines- you tube is packed with tons of awesome videos of everything from 1-53 generator to a huge 12v71tt truck puller. Even a 16v92 and a 24V92 on some navy ship! Just type the engine code you want to see in the search field and your set.
    Now for my project, i am set on a simple Allison 545AT but the engine? here are my choices for light weight screaming jimmy's:


    6v53Turbo
    6v71turbo- same physical size as the 53? just more of a bark and 2600 redline?
    4-71

    OR

    what about a cat 3208 turbo?? its just a tiny bit longer than a 7.3 block!!??

    Take a old abused beat up 1987-1994 F350 and drop a cat 3208 and Allison 545 right in?
    Last edited by JRM; 03-16-2008 at 09:26.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    here
    Posts
    3

    Default Detroit V653 alumuim block facts

    Detroit V653 alumuim block engine only 1200 lbs instead of 1900 lbs cast iron block ^v53 engine.
    V653 alumuim block Has 4 bolt main craddle all the way down unlike standard cast Iron block.
    V653 alumuim block has Higher compression 21:1 proformace with turbo, not 17:1 like non turbo standard cast iron block engines. higher compression starts easier in cold weather.
    V653 alumuim block Stock dyno 330hp 800 ft lbs torque with N70 injectors.
    HP can be bumped up to
    400hp with n90 injectors
    650 hp with N 160 injectors
    with nitros can go to 950 hp and still be a daily driver.
    OIl pressure is high volume oil pump 90 psi unlike standard cast iron 6v53 engines.
    more water jackets around sleeves lower down for better and faster cooling.
    even though block is alluim block it has brass inserts so it still has full integretiy and strenght.
    Twin turbos off of 5.9 cummins 12 valve diesel.
    larger oil pan , with speical sump so oil pressure even at masive inclines.
     
     
    M113 persnal carrier.
    extra water ports in block in lower part of block for exstreme cooling.
    But has smae irom pistons and sleves as iron block engine.
    Iron heads.
    Bell houseing is SAE 3#, but can be changed if needed.
    because it is alluim block, it only weighs 1200# lbs instead of 1800 lbs#
    stock RPMS
    no load 3000 rpms
    with load 2800 rpms
    detroit diesel had fire ring head gaskets before it was cool.
    Detroit also had the first roller cam stock that all newer gas engines now have.
    wwII won.
    Also will run any fuel, diesel , keresene, waste oil, gasoline oil mix, if it burns engine can be made to run on it.
     
     
     

  13. #13
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    PA, USA
    Posts
    2

    Default locating 4-53t Detroit

    Hi, New here. N. Eastern PA What type of equipment or vehicle would have a 4-53t that would be best suited for a 1 ton swap? And what is the average going rate for one in decent running condition? Also possibly a 6v53t, though if I went 6v53t , It would be in a medium duty truck. Thanks in advance for any input. PS I'd be going with an auto, Allison at545, etc

  14. #14

    Default detroit diesel

    hi everyone! this is my first time on this so i dont really no how it works. i joined because i wanted to find out more info on detroit swaps into trucks. i have a 59 chevy one ton with the original napco 4x4 and i wanted to do a 4-53t swap. i was wondering where i could find a bell housing to fit a clark 5 speed? and also i need to find out where i can get a flywheel and a clutch? i wanted to locate all this kinda stuff before i started the project.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Edmonton Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    52

    Default 5.7 diesel 350 olds engine

    Hey guys & girls, I was hoping someof you here may have some experience and recomendations on this......

    So I had been planning on dropping my spare Humvee 6.2 into my truck (86 GMC 3/4Ton 4x4 6.2L+th400+4:10's+AC all stock) when my orginal 6.2 siezed up. The problem is that when i dis-assembled the Humvee 6.2 to put new gaskets throughout I found spun rod bearings in #1-2 and a badly damaged crank. I just don't want to spend the money this year on a new build up.

    So I have 79 2wd 1/2Ton that is very rusty with a bad th400 but a really strong Goodwrench 350DX unfortunately the milage is unknown but speedo says about 150k+ miles just have no idea when the engine was replaced during that 150k so the engine has something less than that, 75-100-125 who knows. it starts easy, runs great, gets great fuel milage.

    I see the th400 bellhousings are different on the two trucks and the position of the engine mounts is different, and of course 6.2L truck is a 4x4 while the 5.7L truck is 2wd. It seems the biggest challenge is that bellhousing because of the position of the 5.7 vac pump and I'm not sure about bolt patterns matching up? (5.7 has the dip in the top of the bellhousing, th400 has the peak at the top).

    Is there anyway to put the 5.7L into the 6.2L 4x4 truck with the chev th400 bellhousing? Has anyone done this before? Is there anything else to be aware of with this conversion?

    This would be a short term temp setup until I rebuild the 6.2L next year sometime.

    Also what about fitting a 6.5 TD into this 86 6.2L 4x4 w/AC? easy or hard?

    Anything you can tell me would be great, thanks.
    Thomas Taylor

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    So. Cal. USA
    Posts
    98

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 59chevynapco View Post
    hi everyone! this is my first time on this so i dont really no how it works. i joined because i wanted to find out more info on detroit swaps into trucks. i have a 59 chevy one ton with the original napco 4x4 and i wanted to do a 4-53t swap. i was wondering where i could find a bell housing to fit a clark 5 speed? and also i need to find out where i can get a flywheel and a clutch? i wanted to locate all this kinda stuff before i started the project.
    Hi. Have you found an engine yet? Have you made any progress on your "project"? I did a 4-53 swap in a 64 Chevy 4X4 suburban. I used the original SM-420 trans and transfer case. I got a bellhousing and flywheel from GM but that was long ago. I think those parts are obsolete now. Does the Clarke trans take a SAE round bellhousing? I am not sure. It should be easy to hook it up anyway. Let me know if you need some help...

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
    Location
    McIntosh, SD
    Posts
    1

    Default 1965 4-53 Swap

    Hey Liftgate, I would love to know the part numbers and where you got everything to do the swap into your 1964 suburban. I have a 1965 Chevy Half ton 4x4 with a 4 speed that I want to do the exact same thing to. Either post on here or email me @ mitchchase350@yahoo.com if you have time. Thank you!

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Third Coast
    Posts
    2

    Lightbulb 4-53 Conversion

    They are only expensive if you are going to pay a shop to do it.... You can get a complete rebuild kit for a 4-53 for about $1200.
    One cool thing about the 2 cycle DD is they dont have a central high pressure and high price injector pump just a continuous loop fuel pump and the injectors are mechanical... rocker activated plungers... you can loose an injector or two and they just keep running! The 2 stroke DD date back to WW II developed for the armed forces as a simple and reliable engine.
    You can also thumb your nose at the Oil Barrons! How? In warm climates you can run the Detroit Diesel On well filtered waste fryer oil or in cooler climates Preheat WVO & Block.... Google treehugger they ran a 2-71 generator on strait WVO for 40,000 Hrs (if my memory serves me) then donated it to a NY Museum were it's still chugging away!
    FREE FUEL!!!

    None of us are as smart as all of us.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Alberta, Canada
    Posts
    311

    Default

    its hard to not want such a great sounding engine with a strong history of reliability. if my memory is correct, the 71 series was produced for about 60years before it was discontinued.

    there are a few videos on youtube of a 1964 chev 1/2 ton 4x4 with a 3-53 from a gama goat in it. he claims 28 mpg on the highway. pretty good for a full size 4x4. and it sounds pretty damn nice

    i definately want to get a detroit diesel into a pickup truck one day, but most people around here are very discouraging and always say "an easier and better engine to swap in would be a cummins"......i don't want a cummins though

    but if i can find a good engine, running or else in need of rebuild then i think my project will be under way.
    2011 VW Jetta TDI, pretty well loaded without leather.
    2006 GMC Sierra D-max, 4x4, 4 door, bumper, winch, Espar heater, and the HID lights are a nice touch too.....
    1986 GMC 3500, 454 on propane, 4 speed, 4x4, crew cab dually......the welding truck
    1984 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 4.3 V6, 700R4, Toyota t-case.......transforming into 4x4 cage buggy

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Kazan
    Posts
    27

    Default

    I had a 4-53 in an IH travelall. Things I disliked: Noise (but that is exactly what you LIKED), fuel economy (only got 12-13 mpg). Things I liked: Power and torque.
    My boss had a 4-71 in an old work truck and it always sounded a lot more "sedate" than mine (lower rumble, smoother), not sure why.

    If you want to go with the aluminum 4-71, I would recommend investing in an Allison 1000 transmission (if you want A/T) or one of the newer 6 or even 7 speed manuals. The DDAD's rev like there's no tomorrow, but they don't like to lug. Right gears will make the whole experience a LOT better.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •